Indifference is Unacceptable - My Four Days in Ukraine

[This post is adapted from an email shared Friday, September 30th, with FINN Partners colleagues. I share these words with the broader community with many people's encouragement. In addressing human rights and environmental challenges, there are no "competitors." There is no lack of ideas, imagination or resources to set a course toward a better world. The abundance of global suffering requires collaboration as a panacea to address people's struggles.]

This week, I was in Ukraine for four days.?My journey began in Moldova, Ukraine’s western neighbor and Europe’s poorest nation. Despite their economic struggles, Moldovans have opened their country to refugees pouring across their borders – providing housing, education and essential needs.

Moldova is a country of fewer than three million citizens; however, since Russia's invasion, nearly 500,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed its border. Moldova - now a global role model - remains a refuge to 80,000 displaced Ukrainians - half of whom are children. Almost all refugees are housed with Moldovan families who welcome their tired and frightened neighbors.

I have visited central Ukraine for many years, participating in spiritual and medical support efforts.?As you would expect, it was a different trip this year.? A car trip that would typically take less than four hours from Chisinau to Uman was a winding journey taking three times the expected.?We traveled bypassing Odesa and headed straight north into the country’s center.?Checkpoints were many.?Roads were quiet. Nighttime curfews were strictly enforced.?Spirits were high.?People courageous.? When the conflict began, citizens of Europe and North America were generous. Know that your kindness is appreciated!

This trip was through the lens of FINN vision and values.?I saw people embracing neighbors and preparing for the harsh winter by sharing firewood.?Soldiers - working hard and playing nice - shared their rations with civilians.?People were caring for older neighbors.?Struggle brings out the worst and best in people.?Last week, I saw only the latter. Collaboration isn’t just a nice thing to do.?Right now, in Ukraine, it means survival.

I often joke with friends, “I like to see my news up-close and personal.”?That’s not entirely true.?I am compelled to listen to the call to help.?That same call that drew me to FINN – an agency community with a heart and conscience seeking to make a difference in a world.?The sages wrote:?“You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” ?FINN was founded by Peter Finn , who recognized that the agency business needed to shift and operate expansively beyond the traditional scorecard of a balance sheet - that economic success and social impact were favorable metrics of a healthy enterprise. Colleagues and clients find that spirit invigorating.

Hunter, New York, where FINN was conceptualized by Peter, and Uman, Ukraine, have some things in common.?Suffering is suffering.?Even if the root of the pain differs. Regardless of the cause, indifference to people’s plight is unacceptable.?Peter saw the anguish of the Hunter community and responded by co-founding the Catskill Mountain Foundation to create economic viability for a struggling community. Determined, persistent people will make a difference!

For my FINN and sector colleagues involved in overcoming disease, championing access to care, addressing environmental challenges, ensuring a sustainable world, and working for diversity and inclusion – you see the need for action and answer the clarion call. Communication is the bridge to sorely needed understanding. Ours is a worthy profession that is also a calling.

I am happy to be back among family, friends and industry colleagues as we continue to advocate for others using our talents.??I return with added energy (despite jet lag) inspired by the efforts of many who care about the health and wellbeing of people and planet. Do not let countless obstacles dampen your spirits. That is precisely what evil hopes for - that we will become immune to others' suffering and eventually deaf to people's cries. Press on! Never stop!